John Windus
Bio
I was born during a blizzard, in a room over a general store in the Catskill Mountains. I grew up in Belmont, a small town in the Allegheny foothills, right along the Genesee River. The town, the river, and the people there shaped a lot of who I became. School never really interested me much, and I got through grade school and high school without making much of a mark. Eventually, I studied drafting and engineering, then wandered off to see what else was out there. It has been interesting.
Describe your art/craft (medium, process, etc).
My work is Soda Glazed and high-fired pottery in an Appalachian Fusion style. I use hand building, coiling, and throwing on a potter's wheel to create the ware. I high fire the ware in a kiln I designed and built.
What drives you to make your art/craft?
The art of creating takes many forms, from design and engineering to making pots. My pottery comes from a joy in working with my hands, eye and mind to make something that is useful and has beauty. The process of ceramics inspires learning and honing technical skills.
Who or what are your greatest influences?
I have joked often that my biggest influence was my laziness. My first job was with a shovel in a greenhouse. It motivated me to start paying attention in school, because I didn't want to do that the rest of my life. I have had many great teachers and many have inspired me, too many to list.
How does living in Tennessee influence and inspire your art?
Tennessee is a beautiful state with great diversity from east to west and north to south. It is all inspiring. The history and traditions of the state influence my art. My pottery in just a mile or two from both the Appalachian Center for Craft and the location of the La Fever family Kilns of the 1800s.
Beyond your art/craft, what are your other interests?
I love photography, travel and boating.
Anything else you want to share?
Look forward to see everyone during the Off the Beaten Path tour.
